A "belly doctor" typically refers to a gastroenterologist, a specialist who treats conditions affecting the stomach and digestive system. Patients see belly doctors for issues like ulcers, acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and chronic stomach pain. Bariatric patients often consult gastroenterologists for pre- and post-surgery care to ensure their digestive systems are functioning well after surgeries like gastric bypass.

Gastro refers to gastrointestinal conditions broadly, while gastritis specifically refers to inflammation of the stomach lining. Gastro disorders can include a range of conditions affecting the entire digestive tract, whereas gastritis is a localized condition of the stomach.

After sleeve gastrectomy, patients follow a specific diet to help the stomach heal and ensure success in weight loss. The diet starts with liquids, followed by pureed foods, and eventually soft foods before transitioning to solid foods. High-protein, low-fat, and low-sugar meals are critical, along with small, frequent portions.

The cost of a gastric band varies by country and healthcare system. In the UK, it can cost between £5,000 to £8,000 privately, while in the U.S., it ranges from $9,000 to $15,000. Some insurance plans may cover the procedure if it's deemed medically necessary for obesity treatment.

The decision between sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass depends on a patient’s health and weight-loss goals. The sleeve is simpler and involves fewer complications but may result in less An inflamed stomach, or gastritis, is caused by irritation or damage to the stomach lining. It can be acute or chronic and may result from infections, excessive alcohol consumption, or prolonged use of NSAIDs. Symptoms include pain, nausea, and bloating, and treatment involves dietary changes, medication, and avoiding irritants... +More

Gastric RNY, or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, remains one of the most effective surgical options for treating obesity. By reducing the size of the stomach and bypassing a portion of the intestines, patients experience a significant reduction in hunger and an inability to eat large meals. Gastric RNY can lead to rapid weight loss and improvement or resolution of obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and hypertension.

Wegovy is available through the NHS for patients meeting specific criteria. To qualify, individuals generally need to have a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition such as diabetes or hypertension. Wegovy is a relatively new option and is prescribed under careful medical supervision.

Pregnancy after weight-loss surgery is generally safe, but it’s recommended to wait at least 12-18 months after bariatric surgery before trying to conceive. This waiting period allows the body to stabilize and ensures proper nutrition for both the mother and baby. Women should work closely with their doctors to monitor their nutritional intake and ensure they are getting adequate vitamins and minerals during pregnancy.

For those struggling to lose weight, there are many avenues for assistance, including weight-loss centers, bariatric surgery, medication, and lifestyle counseling. Professional help often involves personalized diet and exercise plans, behavioral therapy, and medical treatments like appetite suppressants or surgery for those with severe obesity.

Weight loss tablets are medications designed to help individuals lose weight by suppressing appetite or blocking fat absorption. Common examples include Orlistat, which reduces fat absorption, and phentermine, which is an appetite suppressant. These medications are typically prescribed to individuals with a BMI over 30 or those with obesity-related conditions.

A non-surgical sleeve refers to procedures that mimic the effects of sleeve gastrectomy but without surgery. One such method is the Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG), which reduces stomach size using sutures inserted through an endoscope. This approach is less invasive, has a faster recovery time, and is typically used for patients who do not qualify for surgical interventions.

An infection in the stomach is commonly caused by bacteria like H. pylori, which can lead to gastritis, ulcers, or even stomach cancer. Symptoms of a stomach infection include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Treatment involves antibiotics and medications to reduce stomach acid and heal the stomach lining.

The gastric sleeve diet is crucial for recovery after sleeve gastrectomy and long-term weight loss success. Initially, the diet consists of liquids, gradually progressing to pureed foods, then soft foods, and finally solid foods. High-protein, low-carbohydrate meals are recommended to ensure proper nutrition and prevent weight regain.

A gastroenterologist is a specialist in diagnosing and treating diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. Common conditions treated include IBS, Crohn's disease, and gastritis. They play a critical role in the care of patients post-bariatric surgery, helping manage complications and ensuring proper digestion.

The stomach sleeve diet follows the same principles as the gastric sleeve diet. After the surgery, patients must follow a structured eating plan, starting with liquids and progressing to solid foods over several weeks. The diet focuses on small, high-protein meals to support weight loss and ensure adequate nutrition.

Gastric sleeve results are typically impressive, with patients losing 50-60% of their excess body weight within the first year. The surgery also leads to improvements in obesity-related conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea. Long-term success depends on the patient’s ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle post-surgery.

A gastric balloon is a non-surgical weight-loss option where a silicone balloon is inserted into the stomach and inflated. It takes up space, helping patients feel fuller sooner and eat less. The balloon is temporary and is removed after 6-12 months, during which patients must follow a strict diet and exercise regimen to ensure lasting weight loss.

Roux-en-Y (RNY) gastric bypass is a type of weight-loss surgery in which the stomach is divided into a small upper pouch and a larger lower "remnant" portion. The small intestine is rearranged to connect to both. This reduces the stomach's capacity and alters how the body absorbs calories and nutrients, making it one of the most effective bariatric surgeries for long-term weight loss. Patients can expect significant weight loss, but the procedure is more complex than other forms of bariatric surgery, requiring... +More

A weight-loss shot refers to medications like Wegovy (semaglutide), which are injected to aid weight loss. These drugs work by mimicking a hormone that targets areas of the brain responsible for appetite, helping individuals feel full with less food. These injections are typically prescribed for patients with obesity or related health issues.

Patients typically need a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or higher, with obesity-related health conditions, or a BMI of 40 or more to qualify for gastric sleeve surgery. This surgery, known as Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG), involves removing about 80% of the stomach to reduce food intake and is one of the most popular bariatric procedures.

Sleeve bariatric surgery, also known as Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG), is a restrictive procedure where 80% of the stomach is removed. This reduces stomach capacity, limiting food intake and helping with significant weight loss. It is one of the most popular forms of bariatric surgery due to its effectiveness and relatively lower risk compared to bypass surgeries.

Slimming injections like Wegovy or Saxenda are used to assist with weight loss by controlling appetite and hunger. These injections are prescribed for individuals who struggle with obesity or weight-related health issues and have not been able to lose weight through diet and exercise alone.

A pre-surgery diet prepares the body for bariatric surgery, typically focusing on reducing liver size and overall fat to make the procedure safer. This high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet often lasts for 1-2 weeks before surgery. Patients must follow a strict plan of liquids and protein shakes to shrink the liver and facilitate surgery.

The lap band and sleeve gastrectomy are two different bariatric surgeries. The lap band is adjustable and reversible, involving the placement of a band around the upper stomach. The sleeve, on the other hand, is permanent and involves the removal of part of the stomach. Sleeve gastrectomy tends to offer more substantial long-term weight loss, but the lap band has fewer immediate risks.

In medical terms, GI stands for Gastrointestinal, referring to the digestive system, which includes the stomach, intestines, and other associated organs. GI disorders encompass a wide range of conditions that affect digestion, including gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and gastrointestinal cancers.